Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018By: Staff Writer

Joao Mario has been named in the Portugal squad to face the Netherlands in a pre World Cup friendly later this month.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who is currently on loan at West Ham has been included in Fernando Manuel Costa's squad to face Egypt (March 23) and Holland (26 March) in two friendlies ahead of this summer's World Cup finals in Russia.

Mario, who debuted for his country back in 2014 having made an incredible 82 appearances at youth level has made a total of seven full international appearances for Portugal.

The full Portuguese squad includes six UK-based players, four from the Premier League, one from the Championship and one from the Scottish Premer League.

Former Hammers Jose Fonte, who recently joined Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang has also been included in Costa's latest selection. Portugal have been grouped with Spain, Iran and Morocco in their World Cup group.

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